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High School students interested in a career as an Ironworker should take any and all shop classes.  Classes that focus on the safe use of tools, blueprint reading, welding, burning, and layout will be beneficial.  Also, a strong background in math is helpful.

A two-year diploma is not required to qualify for an apprenticeship with Local 512, only a high school diploma or equivalent. It is possible to be granted credit for post-secondary classes and experience. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis if a student takes construction-related classes at one of the following programs: Minneapolis Community & Technical College, Humboldt High School, Dakota County Area Learning School (DCALS) and Roseville ALC. Call Local 512 at 651.489.3829 prior to signing up for post-secondary opportunities to confirm credits transfer.

An Ironworker apprenticeship with Local 512 is a four-year program in which apprentices receive on-the-job training and classroom instruction.  Classes are held in a variety of ways depending on which Region you are a member.  They may be two nights per week, four full weeks per year, or one weekend a month.  Regardless of the schedule, each apprentice receives a minimum of 204 hours of classroom instruction per year.  Class fees are approximately $400 per semester.

Applications are accepted year-round.  Get application and schedule a time to come in What is Apprenticeship | Iron Workers Local 512 | MN & ND (ironworkers512.com)

Prior to placement with a contractor, each selected candidate will be required to successfully complete a drug screen, and attend orientation and safety classes before final acceptance into the program.

Applicants selected for job placement must be able to furnish their own transportation, pay school tuition, purchase tools, be agreeable to a certain amount of travel, and be aware of periods of unemployment due to the lack of construction activity.

Ironworkers must provide their own hand tools as needed for the type of work they are performing.  Initial cost for the basic tools ranges from $350.00 to $600.00.

Ironworkers must be able to furnish their own transportation and be agreeable to a certain amount of travel.  The work is all over the area and requires reliable transportation as well as occasional hotel stays.

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Manual dexterity, and the ability to interpret blueprints and knowledge to safely operate the tools of the trade. The work is very physical, so it will also require healthy individuals with good stamina, agility and balance.

For high school students preparing to become an ironworker, part-time jobs that require a person to work with metals and measure and cut dimensions easily can build valuable experience.

Military members do not receive direct entry into the apprenticeship program but their service will reflect positively in the interview.